What is the primary purpose of chemotherapy?

The primary purpose of chemotherapy is to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful medications designed to target and destroy cancer cells, which often have a high rate of replication compared to normal cells. This treatment is particularly effective for cancers that are aggressive or have metastasized, as the drugs circulate throughout the body and can reach cancer cells that might not be removed entirely through surgery.

While promoting healing, reducing infection risk, and strengthening the immune system are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary focus of chemotherapy. Healing pertains more to the body's recovery post-treatment, infection risk reduction is typically managed through antibiotics or hygiene practices, and immune system strengthening can be a part of supportive care, but it is not the direct aim of chemotherapy. The core function of chemotherapy remains the destruction of malignant cells to achieve remission or control of cancer growth.